ENG-1962 — Page 78

EMPLOYMENT

51

these beyond the minimum standards required by the Labour Department. First-aid equipment and drinking water must be pro- vided if a factory is to be registered and the department insists on the inclusion of dining and rest rooms in plans for new factories. Many of the larger concerns have clinics and free medical treatment is sometimes given to both employees and their families. Free or subsidized meals are commonly provided by managements and free or cheap accommodation is usually offered to workers in the larger factories. Some firms employ full-time welfare officers while others organize cinema and opera shows and provide facilities for football, basketball and swimming. Adult education is some- times arranged with free or subsidized tuition for employees' children. There are also voluntary organizations which provide hostels and playgrounds catering specifically for industrial workers. Workmen's Compensation. Workmen injured while working, and the dependants of those fatally injured, are entitled to compensa- tion under the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance, 1953, which stipulates the minimum rates of compensation. Assistance and advice are given by the Labour Department in all cases of work- men's compensation, and most claims are settled by amicable agreement approved by the department. Fatal cases are dealt with by the Courts. During the year $2,317,919 was paid to 7,816 injured workmen, and dependants in 100 fatal cases were awarded a total of $730,042.

Apprenticeship. Government employs apprentices in the work- shops of the Public Works Department, the Printing Department and the Kowloon-Canton Railway. Apprentices must sign inden- tures and attend technical classes. Several large firms also employ apprentices who are encouraged to attend technical classes. Tuition fees are often paid by the employers. Several of the larger spinning and weaving mills operate apprenticeship schemes for mechanics or junior engineers, and arrange classes on their own premises in both technical and general subjects.

NEW TERRITORIES

Farming and fishing are still the two principal occupations in the New Territories. Rice is the traditional crop and formerly was cultivated to the virtual exclusion of all others. In recent years, however, there has been a marked trend toward the production